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05 June 2026
Issue: 8164 / Categories: Legal News , Family , International , Divorce , Jurisdiction , Child law
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NLJ this week: Divorce in a borderless world

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Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements

Writing in NLJ this week, Rachel Fisher, partner at Stowe Family Law, examines how increasingly international families are reshaping divorce practice. The article explores the rise of 'forum shopping' or 'divorce tourism', with separating couples often competing in a 'jurisdictional race' to secure the most favourable outcome.

Fisher notes that England and Wales remains attractive because of its approach to financial disclosure and fairness, but other jurisdictions are rapidly modernising.

International wealth structures, overseas property holdings and digital assets such as cryptocurrency are adding layers of complexity to financial settlements, while cross-border child arrangements raise difficult questions about relocation and parental rights.

As family life becomes more global, Fisher argues that 'family law stretches across multiple disciplines', requiring closer collaboration between lawyers, financial advisers and international specialists.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ward Hadaway—Nicola Williams

Ward Hadaway—Nicola Williams

Specialist tax expertise expands with partner appointment

Howard Kennedy—Caroline Urban

Howard Kennedy—Caroline Urban

Firm strengthens corporate and capital raising specialism with partner hire

Payne Hicks Beach—Lucas Moore

Payne Hicks Beach—Lucas Moore

Commercial disputes partner succeeds Robert Brodrick as chair of management board

NEWS
As family structures evolve, the law may face difficult questions about inheritance rights for those in polyamorous relationships
A series of procedural developments could have significant practical consequences for litigators. Writing in NLJ this week, columnist Stephen Gold highlights important updates ranging from digital court reforms to family procedure and admissions of liability
Global mobility is transforming family law, creating new challenges around jurisdiction, assets and child arrangements
The civil justice landscape could be heading for a shake-up, with reform of the Solicitors Act 1974 gathering pace
Employers are being urged to prepare now for far-reaching employment law changes taking effect in January 2027
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